PT 402 Biomechanics (3)This course provides a survey of the basic biomechanics of the human musculoskeletal system, with particular emphasis on understanding the mechanics as applied to human movement and musculoskeletal tissue function. The course covers three broad content areas: (1) basic biomechanical principles, (2) tissue mechanics, and (3) specific applied kinesiology and biomechanics for the spine and each of the major upper extremity joints (lower extremity will be covered next semester in PT 403, Applied Kinesiology). Basic biomechanical principles include kinematic and kinetic analyses and related mechanical variables. The study of tissue mechanics reviews the structural and mechanical characteristics of musculoskeletal tissues (including bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, and muscle), tissue adaptation to mechanical loading, basic mechanics of deformable materials, and mechanisms of musculoskeletal injury. Normal (ideal) movement will be emphasized and topics in abnormalities and physical dysfunction will be included on a limited basis.

PT 403 Applied Kinesiology (3)This course in applied kinesiology utilizes the principles of biomechanics and movement science to study human movements of the lower extremity. The clinically oriented approach taken in this course includes consideration of both functional and dysfunctional movements using a lifespan perspective. Topics include the applied kinesiology of human gait; and analysis of functional activities, including sit to stand, and transitional movements.

PT 404 Applied Exercise Science (2)This course includes the study of muscle, nerve, and cardio-respiratory physiology as they relate to exercise performance, conditioning, deconditioning, nutrition, and the rehabilitation of disorders involving the neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and endocrine systems.

PT 406 Lifespan Development (2)This course examines growth and development across the human lifespan. The best evidence from multiple scientific disciplineswill be used to explore many aspects of human development.

PT 407 Neuroscience (3)This course is designed to give an in-depth introduction and overview to neuroanatomy, neurodevelopment, neurological function, neuropharmacology, and neurophysiology. This course provides a basis for understanding clinical manifestations seen in neurological disorders.

Medical Sciences Courses

PT 410 Pathology/Medical Science: General Systems (2)This course introduces concepts of tissue- and system-specific pathology and disease commonly encountered in patients/clients who receive physical therapy. Course content focuses on the mechanisms, types and processes of tissue injury and repair in major physiologic systems excluding musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and neurological systems, which will be addressed in later semesters. For a given pathology, students will explore the incidence, etiology, clinical manifestation, medical management, common surgical and diagnostic procedures with a correlation to the impact of these pathologies on physical therapy evaluation and patient care management. The impact of pathology in one system on others will be explored.

PT 411A Pathology/Medical Science: Musculoskeletal (2)This course is focused on the study of regional, tissue specific and system specific pathology and disease commonly encountered in patients/clients who receive physical therapy in an orthopedic setting. Course content relative to the process of tissue injury and repair, and mechanisms of systemic pathology introduced in the General Systems Pathology course will be explored and expanded upon. In addition to etiology, cellular, tissue, structural, and systemic changes for each of the pathologies, the course will focus on clinical presentation and prognosis. The course will emphasize physical therapy intervention rationale and strategies for specific disorders/conditions/diseases that directly necessitate physical therapy intervention, as well as for pathologies that may be present in patients requiring physical therapy for related or unrelated conditions.

PT 411B Pharmacology/Diagnostic Techniques: Musculoskeletal (1.5)The first component of this course focuses on pharmacology as it impacts the practice of orthopedic physical therapy. Content will include an overview of the drug approval process, principles of pharmacology and specific pharmaceutical agents commonly used in the medical management of orthopedic patients. In addition, content will consider the impact of pharmaceutical agents, commonly prescribed for concurrent, non-orthopedic conditions, upon the physical therapy management of patients with orthopedic diagnoses. The second component of this course will serve as an introduction to a variety of diagnostic technologies commonly used in the diagnosis and medical management of patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Diagnostic technologies discusses will include: radiography, CT, MRI, myelography, arthrography, bone scan, and densitometry.

PT 412 Pathology/Pharmacology/Diagnostic Technology: Neurologic (3)The pathology component of this course focuses on the pathological processes that result in neurological injury and impairment. The anatomy and physiology of the nervous system will be used first to demonstrate normal function and then to illustrate the physiological basis for loss of function occurring with trauma or disease. Functional losses associated with central and peripheral nervous system pathology will include motor, sensory, affective and cognitive behavior. Processes that contribute to nervous system pathology such as trauma, genetics and external and internal environments will be presented in relation to etiology, prognosis and therapeutic interventions. The pathology presented will include congenital, neurodegenerative, and traumatic conditions that affect the neuromuscular system.The pharmacologic component of this course will focus on the use of pharmacology, particularly as it impacts the practice of neurologic physical therapy. Content will focus on specific pharmacological agents used in the medical management of neurological patient problems encountered by physical therapists. Pharmacological agents presented will include those used to treat neuromuscular as well as affective and cognitive impairments experienced by neurological patients. These treatments will be learned in relation to the primary and secondary pathologies that arise from nervous system pathology and their relationship to impairment and recovery, where applicable.The third component of this course will focus on diagnostic technologies commonly used in the diagnosis and medical management of patients with nervous system pathology and dysfunction. Diagnostic technologies discussed will include CT, PET, MRI, EEG, EMG and NCV.

PT 413 Pathology/Pharmacology/Diagnostic Technology: Cardiopulmonary (3)A study of the pathologies affecting the cardiopulmonary system, and how these pathologies are diagnosed, including clinical manifestations and technologies. The significance of the diagnostic test results in the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders will be presented. The student is introduced to the pharmacological management of these disorders, as well as the indications, contraindications, potential drug interactions and exercise implications that the physical therapist should be aware of in the management of these patients.

PT 415 Specialty Practices in Physical Therapy (2)This course consists of lecture and laboratory components and is designed to prepare students to safely, legally, ethically, and appropriately evaluate and treat patients in niche practices in physical therapy. This may include treatment of the integumentary system/wound care, women’s health and the management of patients with chronic pain. Note: this course is spread over two semesters – Spring II and Fall III.

Practice Management Courses

PT 431 Health Systems I: Introduction to Physical Therapy (2)Students will be introduced to Rehabilitation and Disablement models, the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice and written documentation emphasizing functional outcomes. An introduction will be made to the profession of physical therapy including different practice settings, a brief history of physical therapy and healthcare, and The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Roles of the physical therapist (PT), physical therapist assistant (PTA) and other physical therapy support personnel will be discussed. Current issues facing the profession in the context of other practitioners and the changing health care environment will be addressed. Roles of other professionals, the APTA Code of Ethics and the future of physical therapy will be covered.

PT 432 Health Systems II: Organizational Management (2)This course focuses on the practical application of concepts of organizational behavior with an emphasis on the management of change for physical therapists within an organizational setting.This course also explores issues of personal responsibility and accountability as leaders and team members within the health care system.

PT 433 Health Systems III: Payment Policy (1)Overviews of the various methods of health care payment and reimbursement in the United States. Also includes methods for determining an appropriate fee schedule, developing a fiscally sound budget, effective documentation techniques for optimum reimbursement, and a discussion of current legislation affecting health care reimbursement.

PT 434 Health Systems IV: Law and Policy (2)The course provides an overview of the history and present structure of the United States health services. The students will gain an understanding of the basic organization and operations of the healthcare system including laws and policies that regulate healthcare practice. Problems and failures of the current healthcare system and alternatives will be discussed. Students will learn to be professional advocates for their patients and their profession.

PT 435 Health Systems V: Medical Ethics (2)This course will explore ethical issues in health care with the focus on the development of skills for ethical decision making in physical therapist practice.

PT 436 Health Systems VI: Entrepreneuralism (1)This final course in the Health Systems Series considers professional development as a life-long activity and addresses the skills, knowledge, abilities, and resources needed for an entrepreneur to succeed.

Integrative Seminar Courses

PT 441 Integrative Seminar I (1) The Integrative Seminars are a series of two courses designed to provide situated or contextual learning experiences within the academic curriculum. The intention of these seminars is to provide a forum within which to develop clinical reasoning skills in preparation for practice in the clinical environment. Students will be given advanced training in scientific and clinical literature to facilitate development of a life-long professional habit of consultation with relevant literature and application to clinical problems. The Integrative Seminars promote application and integration of newly acquired knowledge (propositional and non-propositional) with previously learned knowledge/experience, within a clinical reasoning framework. Examples of the types of knowledge/skills that will be integrated are basic sciences, research and evidence-based practice principles, biomedical knowledge, clinical skills and self-evaluative skills. The hierarchical design of the DPT curriculum will provide the framework within which specific areas of content will be chosen as the focus for each of the seminar courses. Students will progress through exercises and activities of increasing complexity based upon when each of the seminars falls within the DPT program curriculum. The first Integrative Seminar is designed to develop a framework for understanding and applying theories of Motor Control and Motor Learning to the assessment and treatment of patients/clients with neurological and orthopedic lesions. Material from Anatomy, Biomechanics, Neuroscience, Patient/Client Mgmt: Musculoskeletal, Therapeutic Exercise and other prior courses will be utilized as deeper understanding of theory and practice is developed. This will include a standardized patient simulation.

PT 442 Integrative Seminar II (1) The Integrative Seminars are a series of two courses designed to provide situated or contextual learning experiences within the academic curriculum. The intention of this series of seminars is to provide a forum within which to develop clinical reasoning skills in preparation for practice in the clinical environment. Students will be given advanced training in scientific and clinical literature to facilitate development of a life-long professional habit of consultation with relevant literature and application to clinical problems. The Integrative Seminars promote application and integration of newly acquired knowledge (propositional and non-propositional) with previously learned knowledge/experience, within a clinical reasoning framework. Examples of the types of knowledge/skills that will be integrated are basic sciences, research and evidence-based practice principles, biomedical knowledge, and clinical skills. The hierarchical design of the DPT curriculum will provide the framework within which specific areas of content will be chosen as the focus for each of the seminar courses. Students will progress through exercises and activities of increasing complexity based upon when each of the seminars falls within the DPT program curriculum. This second Integrative Seminar is designed to increase the understanding of plasticity in several systems as they occur in populations with and without neurological insults and explore the relationship between rehabilitation and plasticity with experiential learning and simulation.

PT 444 Integrative Seminar III (1)This course is a study of pathologies occurring in the pediatric population in multiple systems. The etiology and clinical manifestations to include prognosis as well as diagnostic tests for pathologies in this population will be addressed in addition to medical, pharmacological, and surgical management. This material will be presented within the context of the ICF model.

Patient/Client Management Courses

PT 461 Physical Therapist as Educator (1)This course addresses principles of teaching, learning and instructional design with application to the clinical setting. It focuses on creation and development of patient education, clinical education and public presentations. Simulation activities are included to develop communication skills related to patient interview and subjective evaluation.

PT 462A Health Care Procedures I (2)Introduction to basic physical therapy examination procedures utilized in patient care. This course focuses on development of psychomotor skills needed to gather the necessary and appropriate information on generic physical therapy examination including tests and measures.

PT 463A Therapeutic Interactions I (2)This course is designed to facilitate the development of communication skills and interpersonal interactions used in one’s role as a professional and a physical therapist. This course is oriented toward learning about one’s self. Opportunities are provided for developing self-reflective skills, awareness of one’s presentation, and one’s communication strengths. Areas for improvement are explored in the context of developing effective patient and peer relationships as a practicing physical therapist. Interpersonal relationships and inter-professional relationships serve as the framework for exploring the dynamics of human communication. The art and science of physical therapy are practiced within the context of the environment created through communication.

PT 463B Therapeutic Interactions II (1)This second course in the therapeutic interactions series concentrates on the relationship between self and others as revealed and experienced in everyday professional and personal encounters. This semester shifts focus towards professional communication and development of skills to be used in collaborative clinical reasoning.

PT 463C Therapeutic Interactions III (2)The two previous courses set the foundation for self-awareness and communication skills, both personal and professional. This third in the series, utilizes this knowledge in the larger context of family and community. This course addresses issues that are not specifically PT issues but have a strong, direct impact on Physical Therapy treatment. This course also expands the awareness of the role of the Physical Therapist outside the clinical setting as an integral part of the community, and introduces other psychological considerations for the health care provider.

PT 465 Therapeutic Modalities (3)This course consists of lecture and laboratory components, and is designed to prepare students to safely, legally, ethically, and appropriately apply physical agents and modalities such as heat, cold, light, sound, water, wrapping/taping, mechanical compression, and mechanical traction as components of physical therapy intervention. Also included are principles of electrophysiologic evaluation and electrotherapy, and soft tissue assessment and mobilization. Course content includes interactive case studies and laboratory experiences designed to assist the student in applying concepts of evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, stages of tissue healing/repair, and pain mechanisms while making treatment intervention decisions in the appropriate use of these procedures.

PT 466A Therapeutic Exercise (2)Prescribing therapeutic exercise is within the domain of the physical therapist and utilized in all practice settings to help achieve treatment goals. A well prescribed exercise addresses mobility, stability, motor control, and whole movement patterns while considering isolated impairments. Exercise of this nature engages both the sensory and motor systems and is thus integrated into improved functional movement. Prescribing effective therapeutic exercise is integral to becoming a competent clinician and poses a challenge to the student physical therapist. The purpose of this course is to assist the student in learning how to effectively prescribe therapeutic exercise using a clinical reasoning model.

PT 466B Therapeutic Exercise (1.5)This is the second of two courses devoted to developing skills in therapeutic exercise in physical therapy. In this course emphasis is placed on developing clinical reasoning skills for the implementation of therapeutic exercise for the purpose of improving function and health of individuals with neurological dysfunction.

PT 467 Prosthetics/Orthotics (3)Part 1 – Normal and Pathological Gait: A review of Normal Gait is provided. The student is introduced to Pathological Gait and Observation Gait Analysis of Normal and Pathological function.

Part 2 – Orthotics: The student is introduced to various upper limb, lower limb, and spinal orthoses; their components and applications; the assessment of orthotic candidacy; how orthoses can substitute for biomechanical function; and how gait can be affected by orthotic application and adjustment.

Part 3 – Prosthetics: The student is introduced to various upper and lower limb prostheses; their components and applications; the biomechanical analysis of normal vs. pathological prosthetic gait; and therapeutic requirements for rehabilitation and reintegration.

PT 468 Complementary Health Practices (1)This course is designed to introduce the participants to adjunct therapies and how they enhance and compliment conventional rehabilitation. Students will learn how to differentiate which techniques may be beneficial for the given population. Included in this coursework is an introduction to the theories of Complementary and Alternative medicine including: Cranial-Sacral Release Techniques, Visceral Manipulation, Acupuncture, Meditation, Pilates, and Yoga. The Curriculum is structured to provide didactic and practical knowledge of these topics as they relate to traditional Physical Therapy practices.

PT 471A Patient/Client Management: Musculoskeletal I (3)This course is the first in a series of three courses on management by the physical therapist for patients with orthopedic dysfunction for all body regions. Each element of patient/client management will be considered throughout the course, including examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcomes. This first course consists of lecture and laboratory components, and focuses on introduction to foundational concepts with application to lower quarter body regions. Course content is presented within a clinical reasoning framework, and concepts of hypothesis generation and testing and differential diagnosis with selective tissue tension are utilized to facilitate development of efficient strategies for: obtaining a history, performing relevant systems reviews, selecting and administering specific tests and measures, evaluation, diagnosis, and intervention planning and implementation. Development of realistic prognoses and outcomes hypotheses is also covered. Students are introduced to manual therapy and neurodynamics concepts as forms of examination and intervention, as well as procedures for testing joint integrity and other special diagnostic orthopedic tests. Skills and concepts introduced in previous and concurrent coursework will be integrated and applied to orthopedic patient case scenarios and problem-solving exercises throughout the course. This integration will include an expansion of clinical reasoning principles with an introduction to clinical patterns. Also integrated will be previous and concurrent course content including manual muscle testing, goniometry, postural, gait and other movement analysis, orthopedic pathology, pharmacology and diagnostic technologies, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic modalities, tissue healing, pain mechanisms, and documentation principles. The course includes extensive application of the concepts presented within the disablement model, with identification of impairments and functional limitations/disability as the basis for establishment of intervention strategies and functional goals.

PT 471B Patient/Client Management: Musculoskeletal II (3)This course is the second in a series of three courses on management by the physical therapist for patients with orthopedic dysfunction for all body regions. This second course consists of lecture and laboratory components and focuses on solidifying the knowledge of foundational concepts introduced during the first course (PT 471A), with application to upper quarter body regions. As the course progresses, student performance expectations will demonstrate higher levels of application, analysis, and synthesis of course content.

PT 471C Patient/Client Management: Musculoskeletal (Advanced) (3)PT 471C is the final course in a series of three lecture and laboratory courses on management by the physical therapist for patient with orthopedic dysfunction for all body regions. PT 471C is designed to facilitate the student in the application and expansion of concepts and skills acquired previously within the orthopedic curriculum, and within the other Patient/Client Management components of the curriculum. Within a strong clinical reasoning framework, students will evaluate and plan intervention strategies for more complex orthopedic patient problems, as well as for patients with primary orthopedic problems complicated by involvement of multiple other factors/systems. Students will integrate into the management of orthopedic patients the movement analysis skills, motor control and motor learning concepts gained after their first orthopedic patient management courses (PT 471A/B). In addition to refining their existing manual therapy skills, students will be introduced to more advanced examination and intervention techniques. Students will employ clinical reasoning to formulate management plans that require prioritization and collaboration with the patient/client in order to accommodate environmental, financial, cultural, psychosocial, and time restriction factors typical of current clinical practice. The patient problems encountered and analyzed throughout the course, combined with the clinical reasoning process applied when working through all components of these clinical problems will facilitate development of clinical patterns and clinical pattern recognition.

PT 472A Patient/Client Management: Neuromuscular I (3)This course is the first in a series of three courses on assessment and management of the patient with neurologic dysfunction. This course will focus on physical therapy assessment and management of neurologic dysfunction resulting from cerebral vascular accident and traumatic brain injury. Movement analysis, motor learning theory and clinical reasoning skills will be applied to identify and address impairments, abnormal movement patterns and functional limitations.

PT 472B Patient/Client Management: Neuromuscular II (3)This course is the second in a series of three courses on assessment and management of the patient with neurologic dysfunction. This course will focus on physical therapy assessment and management of neurologic dysfunction resulting from spinal cord injuries, vestibular dysfunction, degenerative neurological conditions and various disease processes that result in lesions to the central or peripheral nervous system. Normal movement, development and motor control of the pediatric client will be introduced. Movement analysis, motor control & motor learning theory and clinical reasoning skills will be applied to identify and address, abnormal movement patterns, as well as deficits at the Body Structure and Function, Activity and Participation levels.

PT 472C Patient/Client Management: Neuromuscular (Advanced) (3)This course is the third in a series of three courses on assessment and management of the patient with neurological dysfunction. This course will expand upon concepts and skills learned in previous courses in physical therapy assessment and management of neurological dysfunction. Students will refine their skills in examination, evaluation and formulation of a treatment plan for the patient with complex neurological impairments and those with multiple system dysfunction. Movement analysis, motor control and motor learning theory, as well as clinical reasoning skills will be applied to identify and address impairments, abnormal movement patterns and activity limitations. Current literature will be incorporated to promote evidence-based practice.

PT 473 Patient/Client Management: Cardiopulmonary (3)A comprehensive, in depth course addressing all levels of physical therapy management of the patient with cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction and other critically ill patients. Each element of patient/client management will be considered throughout the course, including examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and outcomes. Also included will be primary and secondary preventative measures and rehabilitation concepts specific to this patient population.

PT 475 Patient/Client Management: Pediatric (2)This course is a lecture/laboratory course designed to introduce the student to the foundations of assessment and management for the pediatric population. The course provides the requisite knowledge base and analytical skills for preparation as an entry-level general practitioner of physical therapy.

PT 477 Patient/Client Management: Medical Screening (2)This course focuses on the roles and responsibilities of a physical therapist and other health professions in screening for referral and medical disease. This course focuses on the physical examination process in evaluation of the musculoskeletal, neurologic, cardiopulmonary, integumentary, GI/GU/renal and cognitive/behavioral systems in the adult. The student will participate in laboratory experience that will provide practical, hands-on application of assessment skills in health examination and medical screening and referral of healthy adults.

Clinical Experience Courses

PT 481 Clinical Education Experience (1)This 1-week clinical practicum experiences begins the student’s orientation and exposure to professional practice in varied clinical settings. Students will be introduced to the responsibilities of clinical practice with the aim of developing basic patient handling and communication skills, professional behaviors and socialization under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

This second of two clinical practicum experiences begins the student’s orientation and exposure to professional practice in the clinical setting. Students will be introduced to the responsibilities of clinical practice with the aim of developing basic patient handling skills, professional behaviors and socialization under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

PT 482 First full-time clinical education experience (3)This course is a clinical experience designed to develop the clinical competence of the student in a variety of clinical settings with diverse patient populations. The setting this semester is varied, with student competence focused on managing patients with single system involvement. The student will examine, evaluate, diagnose, provide prognoses, and design/implement physical therapy interventions while under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Indirect interventions, professional development, and administrative responsibilities are included in the clinical practice of physical therapy and this experience.

PT 483 Intermediate full-time clinical education experience (3)This course is designed to develop the clinical competence of the student in a variety of clinical settings with diverse patients. The student will examine, evaluate, diagnose, prognose, and design/implement physical therapy interventions while under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Indirect interventions, professional development, multi-disciplinary interactions, and administrative responsibilities are included in the clinical practice of physical therapy and this experience.

PT 484 Terminal full-time clinical education experience I (6)This course is designed to develop the clinical competence of the student in a variety of clinical settings with diverse patients. The setting this semester will be chosen by the DCE with input by the student to complement the previous assignments to ensure the breadth of preparation necessary for general practice as a physical therapist. The student will examine, evaluate, diagnose, prognose, and design/implement physical therapy interventions while under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The student will also develop practical skills in professional and practice management.

PT 485 Terminal full-time clinical education experience II (6)This course is the second of two final clinical internships designed to develop the clinical competence of the student in a variety of clinical settings with diverse patients. The setting this semester will be chosen by the DCE with input by the student to complement the previous assignments to ensure the breadth of preparation necessary for general practice as a physical therapist. The student will examine, evaluate, diagnose, prognose, and design/implement physical therapy interventions while under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The student will also develop practical skills in professional and practice management.

PT 489 Repeat AffiliationThis course is an additional final clinical internship designed to develop the clinical competence of the student in a variety of clinical settings with diverse patients. The setting will be chosen by the DCE with input from the student to complement the previous assignments to ensure the breadth of preparation necessary for general practice as a physical therapist. The student will examine, evaluate, diagnose, prognose, and design/implement physical therapy interventions while under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The student will also develop practical skills in professional and practice management. This course is utilized for repeating any long term affiliation where the student received a grade of NC or was otherwise unable to complete the original affiliation. This course may be utilized only once during the course of the program. The number of units is determined by the number of weeks of clinical affiliation the student needs to repeat, as determined by the Department.

Critical Thinking/Research Courses

PT 490 Research I: Foundational Concepts of Research (1)The course focuses on the principles of Evidence Based Physical Therapy Practice. Students will define and categorize the types of evidence that physical therapists use in clinical practice. The methods for finding and evaluating various types of evidence will be investigated. Finally students will be introduced to research design and methods for critiquing and selecting best evidence for answering patient specific clinical questions.

PT 491 Research II: Research Design and Statistics (1)This course focuses on the development of skills necessary to understand experimental and quasi experimental research design and statistics. Students will learn to apply experimental and quasi experimental research principles to the study of physical therapy. Students will gain perspective on the limitations and appropriate utilization of the research designs discussed. Students will be introduced to SPSS for statistical analysis, with a focus on use and interpretation of statistical results.

PT 492 Research III: Evidence Based Practice (1)The third course in this series of seven research courses focuses on the development of skills necessary for students to incorporate evidence into clinical practice. Students will learn to recognize the strengths and limitations of clinical research, professional opinion, and patient preference in the practice of physical therapy.

PT 493 Research IV: Survey and Outcomes Research (1)This course focuses on the development of skills necessary to understand survey research design and analysis, and its application to the study of physical therapy. The course will discuss the use of a self-report instrument as a rehabilitation outcome measure, data collection and management, use of statistical analysis software to conduct analyses, and interpretation of research results. Students will gain perspective on the limitations and appropriate utilization of survey research methods for physical therapists.

PT 494 Scientific Writing (1)The purpose of the class is to improve writing skills and develop skills required to produce a well-written scientific paper. As such, this course will cover any number of writing topics, including grammar and usage, spelling, sentence and paragraph structure, content analysis and integration, revision, and AMA formatting and citation.

PT 495A Research V: Research Development A (1)The course is focused on developing a deep understanding of measurement in clinical practice. This course has three main components. The first component is identifying measurement instruments relevant for physical therapy practice. The second component is using an exhaustive literature review to determine the validity and reliability of identified clinically relevant measurement instrument. The third component is designing and conducting a research protocol to determine instrument validity or reliability.

PT 495B Research VI: Research Development B (1)The course is focused on developing a deep understanding of the evaluation of physical therapy interventions and experimental research designs to study physical therapy interventions. This course has three main components. The first component is identifying physical therapy interventions for a given diagnosis. The second component is using an exhaustive literature review to determine the strength of the available evidence for the intervention. The third component is designing a research protocol to study a question/hypothesis regarding an intervention’s functional/clinical effects. This course will focus on pediatric/adolescent diagnoses.

PT 495C Research VII: Capstone Project (1)The purpose of the course is to synthesize research that compares the clinical outcomes, effectiveness, and appropriateness of items, services, and procedures that are used to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases, disorders, and other health conditions commonly encountered in the practice of physical therapy. Course requirements may be fulfilled via development of a Clinical Practice Guideline, Systematic Review or Independent Research Project.

PT 499 Independent Study (1)This course provides students the opportunity to learn specialized information or gain research experience that is not provided in the curriculum under the supervision of faculty. May be repeated for credit.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Mount Saint Mary’s DPT graduates are eligible to sit for the National Physical Therapy Exam in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Licenses are granted by the licensing authority in individual states and those licensing boards might require an additional exam on laws and regulations specific to that state. The Physical Therapy Board of California is the licensing authority for California and requires an exam on the laws and regulations for practice of physical therapy in California. Contact information for the licensing authorities in other jurisdictions can be found on the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy website here.